Local junior sailors have been training in San Isidro, Argentina for the last week preparing for the 2012 IODA South American Championships. The Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA) qualifiers consist of Rory Caslin, Chase Cooper, Ceci Wolmann, Mikey Wolmann and Benn Smith.

The Bermuda team enjoyed the opening ceremonies put on by hosts Club Nautica San Isidro last night along with Team Leader Dede Cooper and Coach Martin Jenkins. Typical light 6 – 10 knot winds are forecast for today’s [Mar.31] official practice race with more of the same expected on Sunday when the week long regatta begins in earnest.

12 races in total are scheduled for the event which will be sailed on the murky waters of the River Pate just north of Buenos Aires.

Coach Jenkins said, “The sailors worked hard this week on the water and seem quite comfortable in their new surroundings. It took some time to get used to the short chop and currents but we are now ready to race.” You can follow Team Bermuda’s progress on their Blog at bodasailing.blogspot.com.